Many people with Paget's disease do not know they have the disease, because they have a mild case with no symptoms. In addition, when symptoms do occur, they may be confused with those of arthritis or other disorders. In other cases, the diagnosis is made only after complications have developed. About 35 percent of patients with Paget's have symptoms related to the disease when they are first diagnosed.[1]
The first manifestation of Paget's disease is usually an elevated alkaline phosphatase in the blood.[1] Overall, the most common symptom is bone pain.[1]
Loss of hearing in one or both ears may occur when Paget's disease affects the skull[1] and the bone that surrounds the inner ear. Treating the disease may slow or stop hearing loss. In rare cases, involvement of the skull may lead to compression of the nerves that supply the eye, leading to vision loss. Paget's may also cause gross deformities in the bones.[1]